The Sado estuary, the second largest estuary in Portugal, is an area of enormous natural wealth and biodiversity.The area lies a little more than 30 minutes from Lisbon, and includes two Zones of Special Protection and a Nature Reserve (RNES), which area is about 23.000 hectares. The Sado estuary is a Ramsar site of international importance.Though the wetland area has great importance as a wintering site and migration stop-off point, it also holds important breeding populations of Purple Heron, Marsh Harrier, Black-winged Stilt and Little Tern. The Nature Reserve bird list includes more than 250 species.

A visit to the Sado estuary is interesting at any time of the year. In winter the area holds thousands of wintering waders and ducks; during migration, the number of species increases and it is not unusual to observe more than 100 species in a day; in summer, due to the remarkable range of habitats, the breeding species may number close to 100.The richness of biotopes is responsible for this prolific avifaunal diversity, not just amongst aquatic species, but also birds associated with hills and woodland. The estuary incorporate a number of different habitats, ranging from inter-tidal mudflats, salt marshes, salt pans, rice fields, reed beds and river beaches, to sand-dunes, small dams and slopes covered in cork and pine.Some of the areas of major interest include: Gâmbia, Zambujal, Pinheiro, Monte Novo de Palma, Batalha, Cachopos, Carrasqueira and Comporta.

During the breeding season, visits to breeding colonies of herons are possible; great care is taken to minimise disturbance.

The estuary holds a small and unique population of Bottle-nosed Dolphins; individuals and small pods are frequently seen.

As previously mentioned, each guided tour has an itinerary that is tailor-made to capitalise on tide, weather light and participants special requirements. Recent reports of interesting species are available to optimize each trip.Because of its proximity to Lisbon, Birds & Nature runs half day (morning or afternoon), as well as full day guided tours to the Sado estuary.